Christian Leadership free essay sample

Human â€Å"character†, is the pattern of thinking and acting which runs right through someone, so that wherever you cut into them, you see the same person through and through [1]. The transformation of a person character is their virtue. Virtue is what happens when wise and courageous choices have become â€Å"second nature [2]. † Wright differentiates a biblical framework from a Greek moral framework in that Jesus and his followers are offering the three-dimensional model toward Aristotle two-dimensional points [3]. Wright gives us excellent contrast between biblical and Greek moral framework and I agree with his positions. For example, Aristotle felt for someone to establish character they have to continually practice their strengths, he saw that the ultimate aim was to become the kind of character who would be able to act in the right way automatically, by the force of long training of habit. Jesus and Paul agreed; but they proposed a very different way by which the relevant habits were to be learned and practiced. Also Aristotle saw that for one to be completely happy they needed moral strength called virtues, whereas Jesus and his followers highlighted qualities that Aristotle didn’t rate highly such as love, kindness, forgiveness [4]. Evaluate Wright’s position and note where you agree and/or disagree with him. Defend your positions. [1] Wright, N. T. After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matter. Copyright 2010. P. 24 [2] Ibid. 21 [3] Ibid. 35 [4] Ibid. 36 Character relates to Kouzes and Posner leadership model and Maxwell’s reflection in that Maxwell’s stresses the value of how we first have to work on yourself before we can work on others. He states it is easier to teach what is right than to do what is right [5]. He also reflects that people do what they see. In this we cannot build something great out in the world until we’ve tried to build something great inside of us [6]. I think this is so important as it pertains to character is that it gives us the opportunity to learn who we are, and the ability to correct or work on negative flaws we do have so we do not unwillingly pass these flaws to others. Kouzes and Posner expresses that the climb to the top is arduous and steep. The vision may be noble, and the cause may be just, but the work seems to never end [7]. People are tempted to give up, but leaders encourage the heart of each constituent to carry on [8]. Maxwell’s reflections in chapter 3 can co-exist in the above statements. If we can’t encourage ourselves and conquer pain and struggles how can we expect to help another person successfully deal with theirs. [5] Kouzes, M. James. Posner, Z. Barry. Christian Reflections on the Leadership Challenge. Copyright. 2004. P. 42 [6] Ibid. 43 Badaracco defines moral code as a set of values and principles that guide behavior [9]. As it pertains to moral flexibility he observes that Okonkwo has a narrow fixed moral code where he is not flexible in what he believes to be right. He feels no remorse for going against the values of his tribe and jeopardizing a traditional religious period of time, but accepts the punishment as he views moral code as a set of rules enforced by punishments; it is not to be evaluated or reflected upon [10]. Leaders must maintain a balance between â€Å"remaining true to their deeply held convictions and, at the same time, responding flexibility to the moral code and practical realities emerging around them† [11]. In Okanwko’s case as time passed his belief unfortunately swayed his character and questioned his ability as a leader. He subsequently lost his followers and was eventually banned from a community. Romans 13:2, â€Å"Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. [9] Badaracco, L. Joseph. Questions of Character: Illuminating the Heart of Leadership Through Literature. Copyright. 2006. P. 31 [10] Ibid. 40 [11] Ibid. 52 Yes I do see tension between Badaracco moral flexibility and Kouzes and Maxwell values in that Okonkwo didn’t take any responsibility in his failure and lacked a great deal of remorse. Badaracco states, â€Å"A sound moral code requires an ongoing, open engagement with the moral and practical life that surrounds the leader. On some occasions, the clearest sign of a good moral code is flexibility rather than firmness† [12]. Kouzes/Posner states, â€Å"Leadership is both something you are and something you do. † In other words, leadership is not just something you live but something you behave [13]. Okonkwo behavior represented who he really is and the content of his character. Kouzes/Posner states that people do what they see and his example was not good as it pertains to leadership. Okonkwo behavior was so fixed that he had no regard for going against the values of his tribe and jeopardized a traditional religious period of time, but rather accepted his punishment. Leaders need both the ability to be sensitive to community feelings when situations that require moral reactions and to confront failures looking for explanations as why the results unfolded in a certain sequence [14]. [12] Badaracco, L. Joseph. Questions of Character: Illuminating the Heart of Leadership Through Literature. Copyright. 2006. P. 52 [13] Kouzes, M. James. Posner, Z. Barry. Christian Reflections on the Leadership Challenge. Copyright. 2004. P. 47 [14] Ibid. 41 Yes, there should be flexibility in one’s moral code. Moral code is a set of values and principles that guide a person behavior. I do believe flexibility is plausible in that when we visit other cultures and societies they have their own specific belief system, holidays, and norms in which they go about living their life. Romans 13:1, â€Å"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. † Out of respect when we visit other cultures and come across people with different viewpoints than our own we should honor and respect their moral code for in the same respect we would want to receive the same measure of respect in our country as well. Timothy 3:16 states, â€Å"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. † In the same perspective a person moral code should be flexible out of respect as it pertains to religious beliefs and customs not meaning we have to agree with their beliefs but we are to respect them. Leader’s level of respect should be held the most highest for,. Romans 13:2, â€Å"Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.